A S Gillott - L'Atlantique (I think)

How was the ride?

Lovely and balanced feel to the bike.
The rear derailleur still works really well after removing it and shifts well, I'm very pleased about this as this particular derailleur can be troublesome to set up.

Tell me about it. Mine is still not changing into the smallest cog. Anyway your bike looks incredible well done. What else is there to do or is it finished.

Re Derailleur - Try fitting it again with these instructions. It worked out well for me but I think that was luck more than skill.

Thanks for the compliment and very happy with how it's turned out.

To Do -

Stick some grease /oil into the BB. Runs fine and the rest of the bike (chain, stem, seat post) were well greased)

Front hub bearings need an overhaul as they are a bit sticky.

The H/S is a bit loose and need to tighten the top nut but it's proving difficult at the moment and because of that the 2nd nut is a bit loose.

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Thanks @SideshowBob but the deraileur just doesn't seem to have enough movement in the mechanism for a 4 speed, there is no evidence to be honest that it is a 4 speed, maybe its no only a three speed, anyway I will persevere for a little longer.
I'm not sure oil is recommended to use on a BB. Wouldn't it be to thin?

I think that the size /speed is determined by the metal coil on these derailleurs?
Is your freewheel 4 speed then?

Re Oil - I've had various recommendations on the oil/grease situation with this BB and car engine oil could be a bet.

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So is the coil in the picture three or four speed and I can compare and contrast with the one I have?

Ah don't know I'm afraid - just used a picture to illustrate which part of the derailleur I was talking about.

It could also be that the spring under the metal coil could determine the speed /range of the derailleur.

I have spare parts to a 4 speed (rear of jockey cage has the speed details) with the spring which may help.
Actual photos

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@falconvitesse
I can send you my spring to see if this makes yours functional

Rear derailleur: there are a number of parts that change depending on what version you have and what you are trying to morph it to.
see page 3 of the Simplex Spares Catalogue made available on the V-CC site

Thanks @SideshowBob for the offer, it is working it just could be a little more efficient shifting to the smallest cog.

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My experience with the Simplex TdF (more than one case) is that it's the bottom sprocket that's difficult to engage. I wonder if this gear is correctly adjusted for its position in relation to the block.

An easy test here would be to insert an extra washer on the wheel spindle which would move the derailleur slightly towards the top sprocket. If this improves matters without making bottom difficult to engage you've got your answer.

I'm pretty sure the outer flat coil spring is nothing more than a cover.

Hi @clubman
I agree the coil Spring is probably just a cover and I will try that idea with the washer on the spindle, as it's a nice easy test as I can't face taking the derailleur apart again. (Well for the moment anyway).
I also wonder if my chain line is adding to the problem, as I really need a longer Bb axle to bring the chain line in.
Anyway I took the bike out yesterday and it was working, as long as you change gear with conviction.
it's a great ride and. I particularly love selecting a gear with the simplex front TDF mech.